by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

Superman has always stood for truth, justice, and the American way. What would happen if Superman hadn’t crashed in Kansas, but had actually landed in the Soviet Union? How would he impact the world? Get ready to pull back the (iron) curtain, because Superman: Red Son has arrived on 4k Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and for Digital Download. The latest DC animated movie tackles another “Elseworlds” style adventure, this time featuring Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and other recognizable characters from the Superman Mythology.

Superman: Red Son is an interesting decade-spanning look at a Soviet version of Superman. Having realized the potential of his powers, a young man with strange abilities commits his strength to supporting the common people and the socialistic goals of Stalin. With the “Soviet Superman” in play, a new type of global power race is on. With help from Lex Luthor and Lois Lane-Luthor, the United States begins their plan to create a hero of their own. When atrocities perpetrated by Stalin and the Soviet Union are revealed to a relatively naive Superman, he takes drastic action to ensure that the basic rights of all humans take prescient. Elevating himself to the leader of the Soviet Union, Superman befriends Wonder Woman, who recently stepped out into the world from the hidden island of Themyscira. After witnessing the passion and actions that Superman has taken to better the world, she quickly finds herself as a new friend and confidant to the most powerful being on the planet. Meanwhile, Luthor unleashes the U.S. version of Superman, a clone dubbed “Superior Man”. Is there a way to stop Superman before he truly takes over the world? 

The vocal talent from Red Son features Jason Isaacs (Star Trek: Discovery) as Superman, Diedrich Bader (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) as Lex Luthor, Amy Acker (Angel) as Lois Lane, Vanessa Marshall (Young Justice) as Wonder Woman, Phil Morris (Doom Patrol) as James Olsen, Paul Williams (Phantom of the Paradise) as Brainiac, Roger Craig Smith (Batman Ninja) as Batman, Sasha Roiz (Grimm) as Hal Jordan, Phil LaMarr (Justice League/Justice League Unlimited) as John Stewart, Jim Meskimen (Parks and Recreation) as John F. Kennedy, Travis Willingham (Batman: Bad Blood) as Superior Man, William Salyers (Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders) as Joseph Stalin, and Winter Ave Zoli (Sons of Anarchy) as Svetlana. Isaacs provided a very unique take on Superman that fit in seamlessly with the alternate universe tale. The compassion and heart of Superman are present, but hearing it through this new voice definitely made things interesting. While Superman played the lead role, the dynamic duo of the film however is Bader’s Lex Luthor and Amy Acker’s Lois Lane, who are a force to be reckoned with. While Bader known for his take on Batman, his take on Lex was definitely the highlight of the story. Acker delivered a memorable version of Lois Lane, ensuring that the power and strength of the character was demonstrated with each interaction. Phil LaMarr’s return as John Stewart was a pleasant surprise, and it made me want a Justice League Reunion even more (#JusticeLeagueReunion). To no surprise, Vanessa Marshall delivered a stellar performance as Wonder Woman. Last but not least, Roger Craig Smith nailed the role of Soviet Batman. This version of the character required a completely different voice and tone, and Smith delivered.  

The original 2003 story from writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass) is unquestionably considered a fan-favorite, and fans of the DC Universe Movies have been hoping to see adapted to an animated format. Directed by Sam Liu (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight), with a Screenplay by J.M. DeMatteis (Justice League Dark), Superman: Red Son is definitely a highlight in the DC Universe Movies Series. I have seen every film in the series, and this is the first time an opening sequence gave me chills. The music and imagery were on point, and contributed to some of the most intense and stunning moments in the story.

Special Features:

• DC Showcase: Phantom Stranger (Animated Short) – Animation legend Bruce Timm helms Phantom Stranger as both executive producer & director from a script written by Ernie Altbacker (Teen Titans: The Judas Contract). 
• Cold Red War Featurette – An exploration of the Cold War through the lens of the Elseworlds classic Superman: Red Son, as Superman rises to power and tension escalates between the United States and the Soviet Union.  
• Two episodes from Superman: Red Son – The Motion Comics.
• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War – An advanced look at the final chapter in the Justice League shared universe that began with Justice League: War.

Overall

Expectations were quite high for this release, and as usual, the creative team at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC brought together the right team to ensure that this would be another memorable film in the series. I would easily add Superman: Red Son to the Top 5 in the DC Universe Movies series. 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Superman: Red Son – 4.5 out of 5 Soviet Batmen.

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